Elena Rybakina retains Ningbo Open title with win over Fernandez

World No 1 Elena Rybakina retained the Ningbo Open title with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Leylah Fernandez in the final. It was her first title since moving above Aryna Sabalenka to the top of the rankings after the US Open.

Rybakina saved all four break points she faced against the 30th-ranked Fernandez and sealed victory with a forehand winner on her first match point. She extended her career record at Ningbo to 8-0, having beaten Ekaterina Alexandrova in last season's final.

The victory gave Rybakina a tour-leading fourth title of the year, adding to her Australian Open, Stuttgart and US Open trophies. It was the 15th title of her career.

• Rybakina beat Fernandez 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-6 (6) in the 2026 Stuttgart quarter-finals, saving two match points in a match lasting three hours.
• Fernandez won the Singapore Tennis Open in September 2026 and entered the Ningbo final seeking a second title in successive months.